I tapered a benzodiazepine after 3 years daily use and felt a lot better after the taper was done and my brain had re-set. Then again, that's not true of everyone, and some benzodiazepines are worse than others. I was on Klonopin, which my current doctor told me is worse about cognitive problems and tapering difficulties than many other options. Oddly enough, he says the best tranquilizer for long term use, and the easiest one to taper, is good old fashioned Valium. Who knew?